- #1
AcousticBruce
- 37
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[tex]P_x = P cos θ_x[/tex]
is Px always the adjacent line of the triangle?
is Px always the adjacent line of the triangle?
Px = P cos θx equation question.
- Thread starter AcousticBruce
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around the decomposition of vectors in physics, specifically focusing on the equation Px = P cos θx, where P represents a vector and θx is the angle with respect to the x-axis. Participants explore the geometric interpretation of this equation in the context of right triangles.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the relationship between the components of a vector and the angles involved, questioning why Px is used for the adjacent side while P is used without a subscript. They also explore the concept of angles θx and θy in relation to vector components.
Discussion Status
The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications about vector decomposition and the roles of angles in determining components. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of trigonometric functions in finding vector components, but no consensus has been reached on all aspects of the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Participants are engaging in a self-study of physics and trigonometry, indicating a desire to understand the foundational concepts that apply to their studies in electronics. There is an acknowledgment of varying assumptions about angle measurements in different contexts.
- #2
RTW69
- 374
- 1
Yes, if the adjacent side is of a right triangle, where P is the hypotenuse and θ is the angle between the Hypotenuse and adjacent side.
- #3
AcousticBruce
- 37
- 0
Thank you. And a new question.
Why would it be Px for adjacent and on the other side be P without a subscript?
Why would it be Px for adjacent and on the other side be P without a subscript?
- #4
gneill
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- #5
RTW69
- 374
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Your problem tells me that Px is the component of P in the x-direction. The component of P in the y-direction would be labeled Py. P is the hypotenuse. P might be a force at some angle θ from the x-axis and you are trying to find the component of that force in the x-direction which utilizes the Cosine trig function. If you were trying to find component of the force in the y-direction, Py you would use the sine trig function.
- #6
AcousticBruce
- 37
- 0
So would you ever really have the θy?
- #7
RTW69
- 374
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Yes, look at gneil's image. θx is measured from the x-axis. θy would be the angle measured from the y-axis and would equal 90 degrees- θx.
- #8
gneill
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AcousticBruce said:
Sure. You never know which angle may be given to you or which one might be determined by some other factor in the problem. Example: problems that specify angles for pendulum strings which reference the vertical direction, not the horizontal.
- #9
AcousticBruce
- 37
- 0
Thanks a lot guys. Really! I am in a self study of physics and trigonometry. I am studying electronics and it seems that physics and trig would be a good thing to learn. :)